News Summary
The Shreveport community is mourning the loss of Dr. William Mabry Wilder, a significant figure in medicine. His dedication and service inspired many, including students and future medical professionals. Dr. Wilder’s commitment to the community and education leaves a lasting legacy as families and educational institutions come together to honor his contributions. A memorial service planned for April 12 will celebrate his life and achievements, reminding us all of the impact one individual can have in shaping future generations.
Shreveport Community Remembers a Giant: Dr. William Mabry Wilder
The city of Shreveport is in mourning as it remembers the remarkable life of Dr. William Mabry Wilder, who passed away on March 30, 2025. Born on September 21, 1935, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Dr. Wilder’s heart was forever tied to his roots, having been raised in the charming town of Ruston, where he honed his early skills as a member of the high school band.
A Lifelong Journey in Medicine
Dr. Wilder’s devotion to the field of medicine began at a young age. After graduating from Ruston High School, he continued his studies at Louisiana Tech University before moving on to the prestigious Tulane University School of Medicine, where he earned his M.D. degree in 1959. His career took off as he completed an internship and part of a residency in Internal Medicine at Charity Hospital of Louisiana in New Orleans.
His journey was remarkable, especially when you consider that he served his country as a Captain in the United States Air Force Medical Corps from 1962 to 1964. Once he returned to New Orleans, he completed his residency and pursued a fellowship in Gastroenterology at Ochsner Medical Center. His leadership qualities kicked in as he became the Chief Fellow in Medicine and even served as the president of the Fellows Association at Ochsner.
Setting Roots in Shreveport
In 1965, Dr. Wilder made the decision to move to Shreveport, where he launched his private practice specializing in Gastroenterology. His impact on the medical community was profound, leading to his appointment as the Medical Director of Schumpert Medical Center in 1991. A few years later, in 1995, he joined the full-time faculty of LSU Medical Center as a Professor of Clinical Medicine in Gastroenterology and Hepatology, continuing to inspire students and fellow doctors.
Though he officially retired in 1999, Dr. Wilder’s passion for healing never waned. He continued to contribute part-time at the VA Hospital outpatient GI clinic, showcasing his commitment to serving his community.
A Life of Service and Achievements
His professional accolades are impressive. Dr. Wilder was certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and was an active member of the Louisiana State Medical Society and the Shreveport Medical Society. He was also a Fellow of the American College of Physicians, receiving the prestigious Laureate Award by the Louisiana Chapter.
Additionally, he was honored with the Distinguished Service Award from the Shreveport Medical Society and became a Fellow of the American College of Gastroenterology, serving as the Governor for Louisiana and on its Board of Trustees. His leadership extended beyond the medical field, as he was the past president of the Louisiana Society of Internal Medicine and the Shreveport Association for the Blind.
A Family Man
Dr. Wilder was not only a respected figure in the medical community but also a cherished family man. Survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Leu Strange Wilder, their family includes children Dr. W. Mitchell Wilder, Amanda W. LaVigne, and Anne W. Black, along with several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His legacy will surely continue through the love and values he instilled in his family.
Celebrating a Life Well-Lived
A memorial service is slated for April 12 at 10:00 a.m. at First Methodist Church, allowing friends and family to commemorate a life that touched so many. Following the service, there will be a family visitation in the Hunter Building, providing a warm space for sharing stories and memories.
The family has expressed gratitude to the many physicians, nurses, and technicians who have been part of Dr. Wilder’s medical journey, as well as heartfelt thanks to caregivers who provided support during his later years.
In honor of his contributions, the family invites those touched by Dr. Wilder’s legacy to make memorial donations to First Methodist Church or The Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home in Ruston.
Dr. William Mabry Wilder’s legacy is sure to shine brightly in Shreveport and beyond, reminding us all of the impact one dedicated individual can make in medicine and community service.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Shreveport Times Obituary
- Wikipedia: Obituary
- Rose-Neath Funeral Home
- Google Search: Dr. William Mabry Wilder
- Dignity Memorial Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Medicine
- Legacy Obituary
- Google News: William Mabry Wilder
- Shreveport Times Obituary Archive
- Google Scholar: Medical Community
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
